Lunar New Year approaches, and with it come endless parties! And what’s better for a party than BBQ?
Korean BBQ is a truly fun dining experience and it’s one of those rare things that I feel bad that vegetarians can never know just how great it is. Yeah, I know it comes with a whole bunch of bonchon and mushrooms and stuff, but that’s not the same… you know it’s not, veggie friends! I distinctly remember my first experience with it in Chicago and I’m happy to say that it’s even better here - and very, very popular.
Since I’m not flying to Korea for dinner anytime soon, here are three places covering the various price points of where you can get some pretty great (and sometimes remarkable) meat to throw on the grill and have a great night grilling and chilling.
These are by far not the only ones - KBBQ spots seem to pop up like weeds - but these are the three I’ve been to multiple times and enjoyed.
BBQ House - Plan K
Hours: 11am-10pm
Address: Chung Cư Mỹ Phúc, 66 Lý Long Tường, Tân Phong, Quận 7
https://maps.app.goo.gl/qX7tyaWVxyWzh8o88
Plan K is probably the most expensive, but also probably the most excellent Korean BBQ I’ve had. It’s really fortunate it’s all the way south in District 7 (although there are several other branches I haven’t been to), because if it was closer I’d be spending a lot more money here than I should.
As it is, it’s a great place for a special occasion. The meat is very high quality, the side dishes are plentiful and delicious, and the ambiance is modern and clean. You’ll pay for it, though, so be aware.
Meat & Meet
Hours: 10am-10pm
Address: 8 Đ. Lê Thị Riêng, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1
https://maps.app.goo.gl/mzAHJk4UQVBZh9tP9
This place makes the list for one reason: they have an all you can eat special (it varies from week to week, so check their website). This is exactly as excellent as you might imagine. While the meats are great but not superb, the fact that you can eat all that you can stuff in your craw is pretty good. The buffet is timed, however, and if you leave any food there is a 100k VND added cost, so unbuckle those belts and get serious.
I didn’t really get the best pics on my last visit, forgive me, my esteemed readers.
Thế Giới Bò
Hours: 2:30pm-12:30am
Address: 6 Vĩnh Khánh, Phường 9, Quận 4
https://maps.app.goo.gl/yMrivbKRRrEk6XJE8
Finally, and possibly my favorite, is a KBBQ place that really epitomizes Korean BBQ in HCMC - it’s KBBQ in the most Vietnamese way. While you won’t get much in the way of side dishes, what you *will* get is cheaper meats (still good quality!) while sitting in an open air environment. There’re more kimchi, veggies, and sauce upon request. Service can be a bit hit and miss, but the prices and evening sidewalk ambiance on a quiet street of District 4 is a great Vietnamese experience.
One extremely weird thing about this spot is that the bathroom is across the street. It’s very clearly marked, but it’s very odd. Ah well, welcome to SE Asia, I guess.
I don’t often go to KBBQ, but it’s always a treat and a good time. If you’ve never tried it before and aren’t in SE Asia, look some up near you! It’s very popular all over the world, or so I understand. And, of course, grab a frosty local beer to level up your experience.
Happy hangouts!
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-Ben
K BBQ is something I haven't tried yet. My preference when going out is to have someone else cook my food!
I have been wondering about when you mention a place is pricey or not so pricey...what does that mean? How pricey is pricey? You might consider explaining that to your readers, i.e. me as well as others.
Your photos and commentary are wonderful.